Health Benefits of Air Fryers That Have Nothing to Do With Food!

Why This Matters

Previous studies have highlighted that indoor air pollution can increase the risk of certain diseases.

Researchers noted that people spend more than 80% of their time indoors, where cooking significantly contributes to air pollution. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollutants may lead to acute issues and chronic diseases, including heart failure, lung diseases, respiratory irritation, and even increased cancer risk.

Cooking and Indoor Air Pollution

Cooking is a major source of indoor air pollution, yet little was known about how air fryers impact indoor air quality until now.

In a study recently published in the journal Indoor Air, researchers measured particulate matter and VOCs during cooking.

- Particulate Matter: Tiny solid or liquid particles that can enter the respiratory system.

- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Harmful chemical gases released during cooking.

Comparing Cooking Methods

The study revealed that pan frying generated the highest pollution levels, producing 92.9 micrograms of particulate matter.

In contrast, air frying produced only 0.6 micrograms of particulate matter.

Expert Recommendations

Professor Christian Pfrang, the lead researcher, explained that factors like the amount of oil used and the stove’s temperature can influence pollution levels.

He recommended opening windows or using a range hood to reduce air pollution.

The study also found that pollutants lingered in the air for over an hour after cooking, even when the cooking process itself lasted only 10 minutes.

Continuous ventilation post-cooking is crucial to prevent the buildup of these pollutants and reduce their spread throughout the house.

Cost and Energy Efficiency of Air Fryers

Beyond reducing pollution, research by Which? highlighted that air fryers are also three times more cost-effective than traditional ovens.

Emily Seymour, energy editor at Which?, emphasized the importance of saving energy during the cost-of-living crisis. The growing popularity of air fryers in recent months demonstrates how they can significantly lower cooking expenses.